News Bulletin of 18 August 2025, 1pm

Headline 1
UJ Student Launches Web-Based Platform
Story 1
University of Johannesburg student David Mtsweni has launched web-based platform, Simplify Drive, to help first-time drivers pass their learner’s license test.
Partnering with UJ’s Community Engagement Unit, Mtsweni hosted a session for 100 student volunteers, offering practice tests, visual aids, and progress tracking.
Inspired by South Africa’s high road fatality rates, Mtsweni aims to improve driver education.
Students praised the platform's ease of use and accessibility, with free access provided during the session.
Story 1 category
Headline 2
Takalani Sesame Marks 25 Years Of Empowering Kids
Story 2
Takalani Sesame is marking 25-years of empowering kids by expanding its reach through a new partnership to air more widely on television.
Now showing weekdays in Zulu and English, the show promotes early education, health, and school readiness.
Seasons 15 and 16 tackle gender stereotypes and encourage learning through play, storytelling, and music.
The show continues helping South African children grow “Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder,” while learning in their home languages.
Story 2 category
Headline 3
WC Education Department Celebrates Its Top Teachers
Story 3
The Western Cape Department of Education has celebrated the province’s top teachers at the 2025 Provincial Teaching Awards over the weekend.
There were 15 winners who received the Excellence in Teaching Mathematics award.
MEC David Maynier says the winners will now go on to represent the province as nominees for the National Teaching Awards, which will take place in October:
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Story 3 category
Financial Indicators headline
Financial Indicators
Financial indicators
Your financial indicators for this hour:

The Rand is trading at 0.00 to the US Dollar, 0.00 to the British Pound, and 0.00 to the Euro.

Gold is trading at 0.00 dollars a fine ounce, Brent Crude Oil is at 66.00 per barrel, and a Bitcoin will set you back 115,056.00.
Teaser / Tailpiece headline
Cultural Entrepreneurs in SA, Lesotho & Malawi To Receive Support
Teaser / Tailpiece story
Création Africa is set to support cultural entrepreneurs in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi again this year.
The initiative is inviting applications from incubators or consortiums to train and mentor participants through a year-long programme.
50-entrepreneurs will be selected in November, with coaching in early 2026 and incubation for 15-finalists from April to October.
The project, led by the French Embassy and the French Institute of South Africa, aims to grow creative industries and promote sustainable business opportunities in the region.
Split analysis
Local: 75 words (37%), National: 129 words (63%), International: 0 words (0%)